Today, millions of people worldwide will celebrate both a mathematical constant and a sweet filling in a wheaten crust. In other words, it's quite clearly Pi Day. To back up, Pi is the ratio used to compute the circumference, area, and volume of circles, which works out to approximately 3.14 -- today's date, duh! And while we're all about treating ourselves, sometimes there are slightly savvier ways to treat yourself than others. I put a bunch of pies head-to-head to find out which was the healthier victor -- and which you should skip on this all-important holiday.
- Lemon Meringue Pie vs. Key Lime Pie: Lemon meringue pie would usually beat out key lime pie in a low-cal contest since it is made without a ton of cream -- and the fact that the meringue topping is nothing but egg whites and a little sugar. However, we think this Kiwi Lime Pie will satisfy your cravings for creamy, citrusy goodness -- and only for 219 calories per slice. Plus, the graham cracker crust is superfood-packed with pumpkin seeds built right in. And since heavy cream was replaced with sweetened condensed milk, you can enjoy that light creamy texture with less fat. And if you just have to have your meringue topping, feel free to dollop it on!
- Apple Pie vs. Pecan Pie: While pecans have more antioxidants than any other nut, a whole pie of pecans and sugar can be quite the calorie bomb, with well over 500 calories per slice, depending on the recipe, of course. Apple pie, on the other hand tends to be lower in calories since it is packed with the high-fiber fruit (and superfood!) So why not enjoy the best of both worlds? Make this Apple-Ginger-Walnut Galette, and sub pecans for the walnuts. You'll enjoy sweet juicy apples and the satisfying crunch and toasty pecan flavor for just 178 calories per slice since a top crust is replaced by the nutty topping and ginger adds flavor so that the sugar can be slashed!
- Pumpkin Pie vs. Snickerdoodle Pie: Both of these pies fit into the comfort-food category, but the pumpkin pie with its nutrient-rich pumpkin puree filling comes out on top in terms of both calories and nutrition since it is much lower in sugar and fat. But if you can't get enough of that cinnamon-sugar flavor the snickerdoodle is known for, try making this pumpkin pie recipe and amping up the snickerdoodle factor by sprinkling the crust with a light dusting of cinnamon and sugar before filling it. Even with the cinnamon-sugar sprinkling, you'll enjoy a slice for well under 200 calories since apple juice replaces some of the butter in the crust to keep things light.
- Chocolate Custard Pie vs. Peanut Butter Pie: Both of these pies' main ingredients tend to be relatively high in fat, so it's no surprise that neither is a low-calorie choice. But this Chocolate Apricot Pie keeps the calories to less than 300 a slice by using two-percent milk instead of heavy cream as well as unsweetened chocolate. Make it a chocolate-peanut butter fusion by replacing the butter in this recipe with peanut butter. Not only will it add that deliciously rich peanut-y flavor, but it'll also add some heart-healthy fats.
RELATED LINKS:
- Not the Healthiest Pies, but Def Drool-Worthy!
- Decadent Hot Chocolate to Go with Your Pie
- Sneaky Sugar Sources
Image Credit: Kana Okada
